Woodstock Early Bird met with Woodstock Farmer’s Market owner Amelia Rappaport Wednesday evening to hear of her dismay — and yes, anger — at recent posts on this blog.
While we still support any worker’s right to a wage for time worked and for unemployment compensation — with formal layoffs by employers so that workers may file for unemployment INSURANCE during these difficult times — we want to make clear that WFM volunteers are NOT replacing loyal Woodstock Farmer’s Market employees.
Rappaport reports a meeting was held Wednesday with staff to allay whatever concerns they might have about their financial situations. They will be paid for their work.
Woodstock Early Bird, despite having spoken directly to current WFM employees as sources for her story, apologizes for any misinformation that contributed to the early reports about WFM. We are also sorry to have hurt any feelings of hard-working volunteers. Obviously their intentions are nothing but good.
Woodstock Early Bird wants to thank Amelia Rappaport, a WoodstockFarmer’s Market owner, for her steadiness during this hard time and for her willingness to consider Woodstock Early Bird’s original intentions at simplyreporting the uncertainty of the future for all wage workers. This includes those many, many employees who serve the Woodstock Inn and Resort which has been evacuated and shut down for three weeks for full-scale cleaning and revitalization. There WILL be a Foliage Season and we hope the work force can be kept here in Woodstock.
Again, very relieved to know those who work so hard at the Woodstock Farmer’s Market will be compensated for their efforts going forward and will not be replaced by a very well-meaning volunteer force. As Rappaport pointed out, Early Bird should have rounded out the story with a direct update from her or co-owner Patrick Crowl.
We have taken down a post that many in the community felt was too severe — we made the point and it does not need to go any further especially in these early days after the flood.
This blog, Woodstock Early Bird, is STILL dedicated to airing multiple points of view and will continue to do so, in particular the views of those who might not be heard or whose views might not be considered elsewhere.
Woodstock Early Bird appreciates all the support and communications that have been coming our way during this intense time Post-Irene. Thanks!
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 